About us

The Knowledge Hub on International Criminal Law for Ukrainian Judiciary is a joint initiative of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut ('Asser Institute') and the EU Advisory Mission in Ukraine (EUAM). 

About the Asser Institute

Established in 1965 in The Hague, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut is an internationally renowned centre of expertise in the fields of public international law, private international law and European law. The T.M.C. Asser Instituut conducts fundamental and independent policy-oriented research and organises critical and constructive reflection on international and European legal developments, at the interface of academia, legal practice and governance. The institute actively disseminates its knowledge through publications, training programmes, conferences, and free events.

Since 2020, the Asser Institute has been actively supporting Ukrainian legal institutions in addressing conflict-related crimes through two major programmes: MATRA-Ukraine 2020-2024 and Restoring Dignity and Justice in Ukraine 2023-2025 (Phase I).

Working alongside Ukrainian institutions, we have collaborated with judicial and prosecution bodies including the Office of the Prosecutor General, Regional Prosecutors Offices, National School of Judges, Council of Judges, High Council of Justice, and courts at all levels from first instance through appellate to the Supreme Court. Our partnerships extend to law enforcement and legal aid organizations such as the National Police of Ukraine, Coordination Center for Legal Aid Provision (CCLAP), and Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA). We have also worked with government representatives including members of the Verkhovna Rada, as well as civil society organizations and international partner organizations.

Learn more about our Ukraine-related work here.

About the EUAM

Background
The events of the Revolution of Dignity in 2013-2014 deepened the distrust of the Ukrainian public towards the government and its security forces following a series of violent clashes involving protesters, riot police, and unknown shooters in Kyiv. Subsequently, the Ukrainian government reached out to the EU for assistance in reforming law enforcement agencies and the rule of law institutions, aiming to re-establish trust with the people. As a result, the European Union Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine) was established at the invitation of the Ukrainian authorities in 2014.

Since then, EUAM Ukraine has worked closely with its Ukrainian counterparts to expedite sustainable reform of the civilian security sector, providing strategic advice and practical support for specific reform measures in accordance with EU standards and international principles of good governance and human rights.

The civilian security sector comprises institutions responsible for law enforcement and the rule of law, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its agencies (the National Police of Ukraine, the National Guard of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, the State Migration Service of Ukraine and others), the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Prosecutor General together with the regional prosecutor’s offices, the Security Service of Ukraine, the State Bureau of Investigation, the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine, courts, and anti-corruption bodies. Moreover, civil society and Parliament (the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine) play important roles in ensuring the reform process of this sector.

EUAM Ukraine’s Vision

A civilian security sector for Ukraine that is efficient, accountable, and enjoys the public’s trust.

EUAM Ukraine’s Mission

To assist relevant Ukrainian authorities in achieving sustainable reform of the civilian security sector through strategic advice and practical support for specific reform measures based on EU standards and international principles of good governance and human rights.

Composition and capacities
EUAM Ukraine maintains offices in Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa, and has a Mobile Unit. Due to Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Mission’s field offices in Kharkiv and Mariupol are temporarily non-operational. However, EUAM’s advice and support are delivered in Ukraine’s Liberated and Adjacent Territories (LAT) through its Mobile Unit. Over 400 international and Ukrainian Mission members work daily to implement the EUAM Ukraine’s mandate to foster a civilian security sector that is efficient, resilient, accountable, and enjoys the public’s trust.

EUAM Ukraine’s international advisors come from across the European Union, representing nearly all of its Member States. They bring to Ukraine a wealth of expertise in the fields of law enforcement and the rule of law, integrated border management, human rights, and strategic communications, which is crucial to helping local counterparts achieve sustainable reform of the civilian security sector.

Lines of operation
EUAM Ukraine’s mandate is implemented through three Lines of Operation:

• Strategic advice on civilian security sector reform, in particular, to develop strategic documents and legislation;
• Operational support for the implementation of reforms through capacity building, training and practical support for civilian security sector;
• Cooperation and coordination focus on supporting Ukrainian partners in developing cohesive and effective coordination mechanisms, both at national and international levels.